Los Angeles, Calif. — Following the triumphant release of “Thunderbolts,” director Jake Schreier may soon transition to the helm of a new “X-Men” film, according to sources familiar with the matter. Early discussions are underway, placing Schreier as the preferred candidate for one of Marvel Studios’ most eagerly awaited projects.
Insider reports suggest that while negotiations are still in the early stages, Schreier’s recent meeting with executives boosted his chances of landing the role. The screenplay is crafted by Michael Lesslie, with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige overseeing the film’s production.
Marvel Studios has opted for a deliberate approach in its search for a director, avoiding hasty decisions. This method mirrors its previous strategy when selecting writers for upcoming projects. The positive buzz surrounding “Thunderbolts,” which opened to a solid $162 million worldwide and garnered some of the best reviews for Marvel in years, appears to have energized discussions about Schreier’s potential involvement with the “X-Men” franchise.
The collaboration between Marvel and Schreier on “Thunderbolts” yielded favorable responses from both critics and audiences, positioning him as a strong contender for the upcoming film. Marvel executives are reportedly aware of his longstanding passion for the “X-Men” comics, which could strongly influence their decision-making process.
As the excitement surrounding “Thunderbolts” continued to build, other studios expressed interest in Schreier’s talent. However, he has recently begun to decline several opportunities, indicating his focus on capturing one of the most prestigious directing roles in the industry.
Marvel has a history of promoting directors from within its ranks, especially following the successes of their past projects. The Russo brothers, who directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” first made their mark with successful “Captain America” films. More recently, Marvel tapped Matt Shakman for directing duties on “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” after he successfully launched the “WandaVision” series.
Fans of the “X-Men” franchise have long awaited a new installment following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. The “X-Men” series was historically a significant contributor to Marvel’s success, producing numerous films and spin-offs. Yet, the franchise has struggled since the lackluster performance of “Dark Phoenix” in 2019, underscoring the need for a fresh direction.
The anticipation for a new “X-Men” film is further amplified by the success of Marvel’s animated series “X-Men ’97,” which received widespread acclaim on Disney+ and also achieved impressive ratings. The franchise remains highly valuable, especially in light of the success of the recent film “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which grossed over a billion dollars, indicating a robust interest in the “X-Men” brand.
As discussions move forward, Schreier is represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment, and industry watchers eagerly await his potential vision for the beloved superhero ensemble.
